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Jockey Profiles

Who is Zac Purton's biggest rival? What is Ryan Moore's greatest strength? Our horse racing experts analyse the origins, rise and skillset of the world's most successful riders.

Jockey Christophe Soumillon
  • Cristophe Soumillon BEL 🇧🇪
  • AGE 43 years
  • First G1 win Vahorimix (2001 Poule d'Essai des Poulains)
  • best horse Zarkava
  • One of the greatest jockeys of the modern era, Christophe Soumillon is a globe-trotting talent and a fierce competitor, but with aggression has come controversy on occasions.

  • Damian Lane AUS 🇦🇺
  • AGE 31 years
  • First G1 win Trust In A Gust (2014 Rupert Clarke Stakes)
  • best horse Lys Gracieux
  • From humble beginnings, Australian jockey Damian Lane has emerged as one of the world’s most sought after riding talents.

  • Frankie Dettori ITA 🇮🇹
  • AGE 54 years
  • First G1 win Markofdistinction (1990 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes)
  • best horse Dubai Millenium
  • A uniquely charismatic performer on the racecourses of the world for almost four decades, Italian superstar Lanfranco ‘Frankie’ Dettori is one of horse racing’s few truly transcendent figures.

  • Hollie Doyle GB 🇬🇧
  • AGE 28 years
  • First G1 win Glen Shiel (2020 Champions Sprint)
  • best horse Trueshan
  • Record-breaking lightweight Hollie Doyle has carved out a significant global reputation by competing with distinction in multiple jurisdictions.

  • Hugh Bowman HK 🇭🇰
  • AGE 44 years
  • First G1 win Defier (2004 Doomben Cup)
  • best horse Winx
  • A true horseman with an ‘ice cool’ demeanour in and out of the saddle, Australian star Hugh Bowman is something of a throwback when it comes to the world’s best jockeys.

James McDonald jockey profile
  • James McDonald NZ 🇳🇿
  • AGE 33 years
  • First G1 win Special Mission (2008 NZ Breeders' Stakes)
  • best horse Romantic Warrior
  • An elite riding talent from a young age, James McDonald quickly rose through the ranks in his native New Zealand, before cementing champion status in Australia, and eventually earning ‘World’s Best’ honours.

  • Joao Moreira BRA 🇧🇷
  • AGE 41 years
  • First G1 win Eu Tambem (2006 Derby Argentino)
  • best horse ABLE FRIEND
  • Known as ‘Magic Man’, Joao Moreira’s unique riding skillset has seen the Brazilian superstar make his mark all across the globe.

  • Ryan Moore GB 🇬🇧
  • AGE 41 years
  • First G1 win Notnowcato (2006 Juddmonte International)
  • best horse City Of Troy
  • Ryan Moore’s ability to absorb the pressure of the big stage has seen Ballydoyle’s long-serving number one deliver Group 1 results with metronomic consistency.

  • Ryusei Sakai JPN 🇯🇵
  • AGE 27 years
  • First G1 win Stunning Rose (2022 Shuka Sho)
  • best horse Lemon Pop
  • Ryusei Sakai’s performances on the international stage have cast a broader spotlight upon one of Japan’s brightest young riding talents.

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